Scotland wing Thom Evans has reportedly been forced to retire due to the serious spinal injury he suffered while on duty against Wales in the Six Nations.

According to The Scotsman, Glasgow's Evans has taken on board medical advice that he would not be able to return to the mobility required to play at the highest level, telling friends and family that he would hang up his boots.

In the immediate aftermath of the injury, suffered in a freak collision with Welsh fullback Lee Byrne in February, Evans underwent surgery at the University of Wales Hospital, Cardiff, before electing for a second procedure to further stabilise his neck and aid his rehabilitation.

"It is devastating for Thom because all you want to do is play top-class rugby for as long as you can, and there is no doubt he would have contributed a lot to Scottish rugby in the years to come," Evans' mentor through 'Winning Scotland', Roger Baird, said. "But you also have to get things into perspective. The great thing is that Thom is able to walk."

Evans played 10 Tests for Scotland after making his debut against Argentina in 2008, often playing alongside brother, Max.